​The Purpose of Rubber Bands:Rubber bands (aka elastics) allow for upper and lower teeth to move into alignment. Sometimes it is not possible to adjust only the wires in order to cause the teeth to move as they should. The elastics are connected to specific teeth to move them in a planned direction.

How to Wear Elastics:Elastics are to be to worn 24-HOURS PER DAY unless otherwise instructed. Elastics should only be taken out to eat or while brushing and flossing your teeth. Consistent elastic wear is one of the most critical determinants of whether treatment is completed on time.

Change your elastics for new ones at least twice a day. Often the best routine for changing elastics is just before you go to bed and changed again when you wake up in the morning. The reason elastics must be changed twice a day is because they lose their effectiveness over a short period of time.At your appointment you will be given a special size and shown a pattern of elastics to be worn. Below are images and descriptions of the various elastic patterns your may be instructed to wear.

What to Expect:Wearing elastics will initially make your teeth sore. This soreness will go away with continuous wear after a couple of days. Giving your teeth a “break” from the elastics will only make them feel sore again the next time you put them on and set you back in treatment.

Tips for Success:

If you have questions about how to wear your elastics please give our office a call as soon as possible.

Always carry a pack of elastics in your pocket so you will always have them wherever you go

Part-time wear will not work in correcting the bite.

If you break or loose an elastic, replace both elastics immediately.

If an elastic hook breaks or comes loose, call us immediately so that we can fix the problem.

If you are running low on elastics be sure to mention you need more at your next appointment. Should you run out of elastics before your next appointment please give the office a call and we will be happy to mail you more.

​Our number one goal is to give you the best smile possible in the shortest period of time as possible. Your cooperation in wearing your elastics as instructed will help achieve this goal. Not wearing elastics can result in treatment taking longer than expected and may affect treatment results.

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Dr. Mark Burbey

Dr. Burbey is an experienced orthodontist and a master at using braces, aligners and other appliances. He has been creating beautiful smiles for over 30 years in his private practice in Appleton Wisconsin.